Crypt Lake: what to bring
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta · 17.2 km round trip · Usually a day · Best Jul–Sep
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Grizzly and black bear country · Exposed sections
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Your size:
Navigation: map, compass or GPS app with offline maps
EssentialThe first of the 10 essentials: phones lose signal and batteries.
GarminETrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPSRamsey Outdoor$199.99
Great Outdoor Provision CoSilva Explorer Baseplate CompassGreat Outdoor Provision Co.$39.95
Liberty MountainBrunton 8010 Eco CompassRamsey Outdoor$39.95
MARBLESLarge Pocket CompassMast General Store$16.99
SilvaRanger 2.0 CompassRamsey Outdoor$74.99
Sun CompanyMini Compass 2Mast General Store$11.99
TENDERSOL Sighting Compass With MirrorEastern Mountain Sports$26.49
WILLIAMS OZARKNatural Limb Compass Slingshot ToyMast General Store$14.99
ZpacksSilva Pocket Compass ThermometerZpacks$19.95
GarminGPSMAP H1 Premium GPS HandheldSecond Ascent$699.99
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Headlamp + spare batteries
EssentialHikes run late more often than planned.
Black DiamondCosmo 350 HeadlampBlack Diamond$23.97$39.95−40%
PetzlTikka HeadlampFeathered Friends$34.95
EMSAdaptive Headlamp 300 LumenEastern Mountain Sports$41.99$59.99−30%
NaturehikeWaterproof LED Headlamp 300LMNaturehike$20.54$25.69−20%
Black Diamond EquipmentAstro 300 HeadlampAppalachian Outdoors$24.95
NEBOMYCRO 450 HeadlampAppalachian Outdoors$29.99
NitecoreBracket for H Series Headlamps (HC30, HC33, HC35, HC60, HC65, HC68, HC70 and HC75 UHE)Nitecore Store$5.99
Outdoor VitalsNitecore LED HeadlampsOutdoor Vitals$59.95
AllPerspectives HeadlampNext Adventure$18.00
BioliteDash 450 HeadlampMast General Store$59.95
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Sun protection: sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen
EssentialUV is stronger with altitude and on snow.
Outdoor ResearchSunbriolet Sun HatMountain High Outfitters$33.75$45.00−25%
EMSMens Lightweight Bucket HatEastern Mountain Sports$7.99$26.99−70%
PatagoniaBucket HatMountain Chalet$27.97$55.00−49%
Sierra DesignsSun CapSierra Designs$19.95$29.95−33%
HHCBali Bucket HatMountain High Outfitters$34.50$46.00−25%
PistilWomen's Topaz Wide Brim HatRamsey Outdoor$54.00$68.00−21%
TilleyTofino Bucket HatSecond Ascent$99.00
PendletonPlaid Flat Brim HatAppalachian Outdoors$48.00
RecapsShade Shifter Sun HatSecond Ascent$45.99
MAST 1883Men's Twill Safari HatMast General Store$34.99
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
First-aid kit (with blister care)
EssentialBlisters and small cuts are the most common problems.
SurvivewareSmall Premium First Aid KitNext Adventure$19.99$49.99−60%
Adventure Medical KitsAdventure First Aid 2.0Second Ascent$25.99
ADVENTURE MEDICAL KIMedical Kits Blister MedicMast General Store$15.99
ADVENTURE MEDICAL KITS AMKFirst Aid, Family First Aid KitNext Adventure$44.99
IgneousFirst Aid & Repair Kit by IgneousGarage Grown Gear$49.31
LifelineMedium Hard Shell Foam First Aid Kit - (53 Piece)Ramsey Outdoor$14.99
Peak First AidKit by Peak First AidGarage Grown Gear$66.46
Wool-it(Blister Aid)Garage Grown Gear$15.01
SurvivewareSurvival First Aid KitNext Adventure$29.99$59.99−50%
SurvivewareLarge Premium First Aid KitNext Adventure$49.99$89.99−44%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Knife or multi-tool + repair tape
EssentialFor gear repairs and first aid.
Fire: lighter or waterproof matches
EssentialFor warmth in an emergency.
Emergency shelter: space blanket or bivvy
EssentialIf you're stuck out overnight.
SolEmergency BlanketGearhead Outfitters$6.99
ADVENTURE MEDICAL KIMedical Kits Heat Sheet Emergency Blanket - 1 PersonMast General Store$6.99
Adventure Medical KitsHeatsheets Emergency BlanketGreat Outdoor Provision Co.$5.95
Coghlan'sSurvival BagRamsey Outdoor$7.49
SolEmergency Blanket by SOLGarage Grown Gear$7.15
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Extra food (a day's worth more than you plan)
EssentialDelays happen.
Extra water + a way to treat it
EssentialStreams can carry giardia; dry trails have none.
OspreyShadow Water BottleGear Trade$6.00$30.00−80%
HydrapakBottle BrightNeptune Mountaineering$8.00
OrcaHydra Insulated BottleNext Adventure$10.00$25.00−60%
PlatypusDayCap™ In-Bottle FilterMSR$49.95
The North FaceBorealis Water Bottle HolderRamsey Outdoor$31.50$45.00−30%
EMSBPA Free Push Lid Water BottleEastern Mountain Sports$8.99$16.99−47%
GraylGeoPress Purifier CartridgeGearhead Outfitters$29.95
MSRGuardian™ PurifierMSR$399.95
MATADORFlatPak Toiletry BottleMast General Store$14.99
CamelbakFusion‚ 6L Group Reservoir with TRU Zip Waterproof ZipperMountain Chalet$61.99$82.00−24%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Extra layers: warm layer + rain shell
EssentialMountain weather turns fast.
The North FaceAlta Vista Rain Jacket - Women'sMountain High Outfitters$80.00$160.00−50%
Outdoor ResearchHelium UL Jacket Men'sOutdoor Research$157.50$225.00−30%
Mountain WarehouseRainforest II Extreme Womens Rain JacketEastern Mountain Sports$29.99$159.99−81%
EMSBrisk II Mens Extreme Rain JacketEastern Mountain Sports$49.99$199.99−75%
ColmarRain Jacket - Women'sGear Trade$30.00$150.00−80%
Eddie BauerBC Sandstone Stretch Jacket - Men'sGear Trade$59.80$299.00−80%
JanskaLipstick Penny Jacket - Women'sGear Trade$39.00$195.00−80%
Lands'End Rain Jacket - Women'sGear Trade$25.80$129.00−80%
OdloZeroWeight Dual Dry Water Resistant Jacket - Women'sGear Trade$35.00$175.00−80%
Bimini BayBoca Grande Waterproof Breathable Jacket - Blem - Men'sRamsey Outdoor$24.99$75.00−67%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Hiking boots
RecommendedRocky, steep ground and a heavier pack: ankle support and a stiffer sole.
SalewaPuez Leather Mid Powertex Shoe - Women'sGear Trade$129.52$269.95−52%
TimberlandHypercharge 6-Inch Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot - Men'sGear Trade$34.00$170.00−80%
DannerJungle 917 Hiking Boot - Women'sGear Trade$38.00$189.99−80%
HanwagBanks Lady GTX Boots - Women'sGear Trade$60.00$300.00−80%
LowaJannu Mid Hiking Boots - Women'sGear Trade$28.00$140.00−80%
OutlandRedmond Hiking Boot - Women'sGear Trade$33.00$165.00−80%
MerrellMoab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot - Women'sGear Trade$85.00$170.00−50%
STIORidgecap Waterproof Mid - Women'sGear Trade$47.15$189.00−75%
EMSVertex Extreme Vibram Waterproof Hiking Boots - Men'sEastern Mountain Sports$74.99$199.99−63%
AKUFlyrock Mid GTX Hiking Boot - Women'sGear Trade$62.25$215.00−71%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Wool hiking socks (+ a dry pair)
RecommendedDry feet = no blisters.
EMSMerino Hiker Mid-Calf Sock - Women'sEastern Mountain Sports$9.99$24.99−60%
Minus33 Merino Wool ClothingLightweight - Outdoor Sport No Show Socks Minus33 Merino WoolMinus33$9.99$17.99−44%
InjinjiLiner Crew WoolSecond Ascent$15.00
SpecializedMerino Midweight Tall SocksSecond Ascent$19.99
Ridge MerinoMinaret Lightweight Merino Wool Hiking Crew Socks - 3-PackRidge Merino$54.00$60.00−10%
FeeturesMerino 10 Ultra Light Quarter SocksSecond Ascent$19.99
ActionHeat3.7V Wool Rechargeable Heated Socks 2.0 with Remote - UnisexRamsey Outdoor$129.99
La SportivaMerino Hiking SocksLa Sportiva$25.00
CreepersCrew Wool Toe Socks by CreepersGarage Grown Gear$20.72
EMSMerino Womens Quarter Length Liner SocksEastern Mountain Sports$5.99$14.99−60%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Day pack (20–30 L)
RecommendedRoom for the essentials.
KavuPaxton PackGearhead Outfitters$35.00$70.00−50%
CamelbakZoid Hydration PackGear Trade$16.01$60.00−73%
EMSFlume Hydration PackGear Trade$9.00$45.00−80%
EncasedGalaxy S9 Lifeproof Fre HolsterGear Trade$5.27$20.00−74%
Hydro FlaskJourney Series 20L Hydration PackGear Trade$57.40$200.00−71%
Sea to SummitUltra-Sil Pack CoverGreat Outdoor Provision Co.$32.95
NathanBackpackGear Trade$28.65$100.00−71%
VeraBradley Grand BackpackGear Trade$32.96$115.00−71%
PacsafeCitysafe CX Mini 11L BackpackGear Trade$52.58$169.95−69%
AthetaAll About BackpackGear Trade$32.25$89.00−64%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Trekking poles
RecommendedA long climb or a heavy pack: poles save your knees on the way down.
Black DiamondTrail Back Trekking PolesMountain High Outfitters$89.95$99.95−10%
CampUsa Backcountry Bamboo PoleSecond Ascent$97.47$149.95−35%
EMSBlencathra Z Folding Walking PoleEastern Mountain Sports$35.99$59.99−40%
MSRDynaLock™ Ascent Carbon Backcountry PolesFeathered Friends$189.95
folkrmKulshan Adjustable Folding PoleFeathered Friends$120.00$160.00−25%
Outdoor VitalsKomperdell Wild Rambler Trekking PolesOutdoor Vitals$64.85$79.95−19%
LEKICarbide Flextip Hiking Pole TipsMast General Store$15.95$18.95−16%
Black Diamond EquipmentTrail Back Trekking PolesAppalachian Outdoors$99.95
GoodeCarbon Peak Adjustable Trekking PoleSecond Ascent$110.00
Gossamer GearTrekking Pole Rubber BootsGossamer Gear$5.00
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
RecommendedAbove treeline and in spring/fall it can be near freezing, even in summer at the summit.
PatagoniaDown With It Jacket - Women'sGearhead Outfitters$160.30$229.00−30%
The North FaceHydrenalite Down A-Line Vest - Women'sGearhead Outfitters$105.00$150.00−30%
Mountain WarehouseSeasons II Mens Insulated VestEastern Mountain Sports$14.99$74.99−80%
STIOHometown Down Parka - Women'sGear Trade$75.80$379.00−80%
EMSLucie Women's Rash VestEastern Mountain Sports$14.99$59.99−75%
Outdoor ResearchTranscendent Down Hoodie - Women'sOutdoor Research$120.00$300.00−60%
DynafitRadical Down RDS Hooded Jacket - Women'sGear Trade$95.57$329.95−71%
AetherApparel Synthetic Insulated Jacket - Women'sGear Trade$72.00$360.00−80%
Eddie BauerStormdown 800 Jacket - Women'sGear Trade$28.00$140.00−80%
FlylowMia Jacket - Women'sGear Trade$55.99$279.95−80%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Warm hat + gloves
RecommendedWind on ridges and summits.
Outdoor ResearchJuneau BeanieGearhead Outfitters$13.00$25.00−48%
PatagoniaBrodeo BeanieGearhead Outfitters$34.30$49.00−30%
SmartwoolThermal Merino Reversible Cuffed BeanieSmartwool$21.00$35.00−40%
The North FaceWomen's Oh Mega Fur Pom BeanieGearhead Outfitters$31.50$45.00−30%
KavuFur Ball BeanieGearhead Outfitters$25.00$50.00−50%
Black DiamondRepeat BeanieBlack Diamond$18.00$45.00−60%
EMSAshley Mens Lined BeanieEastern Mountain Sports$12.99$34.99−63%
CHAOSMAGNITO BEANIENext Adventure$8.00$19.99−60%
La SportivaTerry Beanie Women'sLa Sportiva$17.50$35.00−50%
Coal HeadwearThe Harbor BeanieSecond Ascent$21.45$33.00−35%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Bear spray (in a holster you can reach)
RecommendedGrizzly country: carry it where you can reach it in seconds.
Distance from Waterton Lakes National Park's page (park page), checked October 25, 2026. Trails change: check the park's page and conditions before you go. The Gear Fox isn't affiliated with the park.
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Quick answers
What should I bring for Crypt Lake?
The 10 essentials (navigation, headlamp + spare batteries, sun protection, first-aid kit (with blister care), knife or multi-tool + repair tape, fire, emergency shelter, extra food (a day's worth more than you plan), extra water + a way to treat it, extra layers), plus for this trail: hiking boots, wool hiking socks (+ a dry pair), day pack (20–30 l), trekking poles, insulated jacket (down or synthetic), warm hat + gloves, bear spray (in a holster you can reach).
Are there bears on Crypt Lake?
Yes, grizzly and black bears. Carry bear spray where you can reach it in seconds.
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